State of Mind

You can say that again, Jenny. There's so much good stuff on here you could sit reading 24/7 until you rot in your swivel chair and slide to the floor in a stinking, maggoty heap. I love the work of fatboy, the wilkybarkid and scratch in particular, and though they inspire me towards greater things at the same time they make me feel like a cheap, talentless hack..... I feel guilty about not reading enough of other folks' work when they've bothered to read and comment on mine, but there's only so much anyone can do. Sooz hit the nail on the head, she said read what you can and comment when you think it will be useful, but don't get so obsessed that you don't have time to do your own thing. Most days I try to read and supply useful tips to new members (I especially like encouraging young writers, because most kids nowadays are internet addicts and they refuse to apply themselves to what they see as outdated, fuddy-duddy subjects), but it takes up an unbelievable amount of time.

Hi Jen, back from my weekend break. I think it's just fantastic the amount of well-deserved comments you have for your poem. I too, thought it was an excellent piece of work and it's been so satisfying seeing you develop as a writer, and particularly in this form which is never easy. Poetry forces you to be economical and crystalize your ideas. You are doing that with aplomb. Well done jenskins, loved all the lines and stanzas, and your storytelling was skilfil and compelling. Well done and congratulations on the much deserved cherries. Trev

Thanks, nigelquantrill, glad you liked it.

Really strong poem, the likes of which only comes from deep inside oneself, real and painful and rather wonderful.

new skinner_jennifer Hello! hope all is well with you! And you enjoy walking,good for you,now I can do it! look at parks,nature,or shop if mine won't come? but now buy things,sales. Sometimes like you get something, days happenings, just going bed,rambles all off into poem form! that's an achievement. Did you see the olympics,fab: tv beginning to end. Inspirations from H.M. The Queen and James bond,too athletes, pushing themselves beyond measure,some been injured, on way or ill in life. Stood at tv watching shouting,till hoarse! Bradley Wiggins cyclists. Usain Bolt. Mo Farah truly amazing people,excelled beyond measure, he said shout his name, came from Somalia to England 8 years old. Could only say three words,where is the toilet! Excuse me. C'mon c'mon. Wife waiting twins next month,but his hugs to his daughter eight years old. Everything so amazing,and volunteers. Scenery beginning and end. H.R.H. Prince William of Cambridge and Duchess of Cambridge Kate. Prince Harry. Many more, so many things people could learn and do from olympics, rowing,shooting,cycling,dancing,singing,sailing,preparing,boxing,badminton,hurdling long jump,discus throwing. Absolutely marvellous. Royalties. Gary Barlow wonderful after his wife,lost baby daughter,sung my throat choked up! wish them,all love and strength in the world. Ballerinas,coloured taxis Posh and Spice girls,standing on. Jessie J. amazing,Russell Brand dressed like man Chocolate factory story,dancers coming out van. Designs costumes wonderful,opening out of this world. 80, 000 crowd cheered! everyone on,hugs and flags waving,mexican wave! Sir Seb Coe. Boris Johnson think that's name. Dave Beckham and children. So many. Even tight rope walker,long pole held,thought met man at end help him,seemed robot,when got to end,touched his hands,fireworks went all off. Designer.. memory Tom Boyle think! did all of it. All the different flags nations,beginning poeple costumes way back! up came tall chimneys,and farm back ground all walking around. So so much! Great Tom Daley lost his father diver. Many much more could say! couldn't stop watching! The Sun newspaper had brilliant photos in,I took quite a few of tv. but most in paper. Sad to see our flag come down,truly felt Britain putting word Gt back. All coloured flags and nationalities everyone seemed happy be there no matter who or where. Well can't go my singing for pleasure Simon Grey musical Director,would been third course,pay opera, fab: meet so many. Mine had put new tubing in my,hearing aid,was loose,but Ray can be slightly heavy handed,twists it,getting ready for bed,couldn't hear last couple time singing,thought may have been loud,keyboard,may be. Suddenly putting h/aid away snapped in half, shouted Ray,as old model,like me,ha! hah! on the floor! not making any,more! so morning had get him,take me up hospital repair part,luckily had spare part! but wasn't hearing 100% mentioned! checked ear deep wax,knew might still have,perforated drops state ask before using. There damn computer crashed! then popped in shop,Ray long time,standing there why! given short change! damn till jammed couldn't open without key. What a day! told go gp new one,very good helpful,got Ray come in as can't hear without it. Put on very very strong drops,three weeks Ray do,soften ear canal,but won't seem work h/aid. till tea time. Ray and did bit shops hates,I went go across road lights not changed! cyclists beckoned me cross and lady,so thanked hand signal,nearly over taxi swung from rank1 never saw! my fault just missed me,Ray never came over see me,waiting on other side,thought hold arm all time,but some don't think realise! So daughter and son-in-law called,she had write things down,me we all laughing,done week now. Two weeks to go! I enjoy so much way you write! We now you will see have discussion those want,on mental health,which good for some! but feel knowing all about it,and people met,and things all done for me,personal very much too some. especially as worked had to professional people,hospital many other things,listed so many cause depression answering, it is in experiences no matter,who what,respect can help some one else. Body mind and spirit! Dodgy subject! when been there oneself. Respect kindness no Q at day centres,as most have key workers got to for what ever! I help try,many over years now,always in trouble someone! Hope your well. Long letter sorry! Must make you laugh,daughter mentioned friend had pet rats,so did she once hate look,friend said they feel pain and think! No she said do you think cows,that ruminate from it's stomache,feel pain chewing the cud,it's called,for grass! Let a loan known fart so powerful,will knock one over,or start an engine! read in paper! I doubled up with laughter,so did she! as she is clever thinker! But mainly likes be right,like him! all the best! julie xx

.Sorry waiting submit button go through! Went twice eventually slow! julie x

ths bit is perfection! tattered curtains conceal my anguish...a shaft of light illuminated through a narrow opening in the frayed dimness of this space, my supposedly so called world, i could feel your anguish